Although you might have a new white hat, it’ll undoubtedly get dirty after just a few days of wear.
When you go to take off the hat and are met with flaky dirt, it’s not the end of the world.
There are ways how clean a dirty white hat to get back that original pure color and texture however cleaning a white hat is not a simple process.
How to Clean a Dirty White Hat Safely?
1. Hand-Washing Your White Hat
The most trusted and recommended method for cleaning a white hat is hand-washing.
The fabric of the hat will not be damaged so it won’t loose its texture or color.
It’s also a much safer method because it doesn’t use harsh chemicals that might damage your headwear.
While hand washing your white hat, cold water works better for fabric like wool that may shrink.
2. Machine Washing Your White Hat
You can machine wash your white hat in cold water on a gentle cycle.
In this case, it’s a better idea to use a washing bag or net and not put the white hat directly in the washer.
You might want to un-stitch the lining of your hat before washing it because it will be easier and safer to wash thoroughly.
Also, this method is not recommended if you have a soft cloth hat because it could easily lose its shape or become damaged.
Also Read: How to Clean a New Era Fitted Hat?
3. Using the Dishwasher to Clean Your White Hat
The dishwasher is a quick and easy method for cleaning your white hat. It does not use harsh chemicals that are harmful to your headwear.
Make sure you remove any metal details, pins, and other accessories to prevent damage.
You should only use this method if your hat is made from a fabric that can withstand high temperatures.
4. Dry-Cleaning Your White Hat
This is a recommended method to clean your white hat if it has become worn or has been exposed to many chemicals on the way.
It’s best to have it washed in a dry-cleaner or on-site at an ironing center.
You might want to un-stitch the lining of your hat before dry-cleaning it because it will be easier and safer to dry clean thoroughly.
Also, this method is not recommended if you have a soft cloth hat because it could easily lose its shape or become damaged.
Also Read: How to Clean a Visor Hat?
5. Shampooing
This is another effective way to clean dirt off of your white hats when they get dirty but it may cause some damage.
Do not use fabric softeners; it might make your white hat feel more comfortable but it will break down the fabric.
Also, this method is not recommended if you have a soft cloth hat because it could easily lose its shape or become damaged.
6. Baking Soda & Vinegar
Combine equal amounts of baking soda and white vinegar. Put the solution in a washing bag, dishwasher or bucket.
Put the hat inside the container and let it sit for 6 hours or overnight.
Do not soak your hat in vinegar; you can use it to clean stains but never submerge your hat in it.
Also, this method is not recommended if you have a soft cloth hat because it could easily lose its shape or become damaged.
Also Read: How to Clean A Hard Hat to Avoid Odor and Stains?
7. Brush for Spot Cleaning
If you want to clean spots off your white hat, use a brush that is meant for delicate fabrics. It’s best to test the brush in an inconspicuous area first.
This method could damage your hat and make it lose its shape or texture.
Use it only for small stains instead of the whole hat.
Also, this method is not recommended if you have a soft cloth hat because it could easily lose its shape or become damaged.
8. Use a Hat Brush
In this method, you use a little bit of dishwashing liquid and water to wash your white hat with a hat brush.
It is an effective way to clean your hat but if you use too much soap, it will stain your hat.
If you use a lot of dishwashing liquid, the color or texture of your hat might be damaged.
You can also damage the shape of your white hat so it’s best to be careful when washing it.
Also Read: How to Distress A Baseball Cap Properly?
How to Get the Yellow Stain Out of White Hat?
1. Soapy Water
You can try using a small amount of soapy water in a sponge on the stain before washing.
It will remove the yellow discoloration after washing it.
Though it may not help with getting rid of the stain, it will prevent your hat from getting damaged.
2. Remove Stains with Rubbing Alcohol
If you have some rubbing alcohol at home, you can use it to rub off the yellow stain on your hat.
Make sure to use a clean piece of cloth to scrub off the stain.
Also Read: How to Fix Pur Pom Pom on Hat?
3. Get Rid of Yellow Stains with Baking Soda
You can purchase baking soda from a store and mix it with a teaspoon of water to make a thick paste first.
Apply it to the stain, then leave it for 30 minutes or so before washing your hat again.
4. Enzymatic Cleaner
If you have an enzymatic cleaner at home, you can use it for cleaning your hat to get rid of yellow stains. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Use an iron to remove stains
If you have an iron at home, you can iron your hat with the stain and watch it disappear gradually. Don’t do this on a regular basis or it will damage your fabric.
Also Read: How to Fix a Stretched Out Knit Hat
Tips for How to Clean a Dirty White Hat
1. Do not store your hat in a cellophane bag; it may cause yellowing or discoloration. Make sure to store your white hat in a hatbox or container.
3. Avoid exposing your white hat to direct sunlight and heat. Doing so may cause discoloration or yellowing.
6. The sweat will make the hat dirty, so remember to clean your hat if you have a lot of sweat on your head.
7. Make sure you dry your hat when washing it to prevent yellowing or discoloration.
8. Be careful when taking off the label; otherwise, the color will be damaged by the glue and the label will leave a residue on your hat.
9. Make sure to wash your hat in cold water to avoid damage.
10. Use the right kind of detergent for your white hat specifically; don’t use it for other clothes or it would leave a residue and make your hat discolored.
Also Read: How to Flatten a Hat Bill?
Why Does White Hat Turn Yellow?
1. The fabric of your white hat may have been exposed to sunlight or heat.
2. Your hat could also become yellow after you have used a dye, soap, or gel in it. These items on your white hat might change the color of the fabric and leave stains on it.
3. A cotton white hat may turn yellow after long exposure to sunlight.
4. Your linen or wool white hat could have turned yellow due to fabric dyes and laundry detergent.
5. The label on your hat may have some glue on it which can leave a residue when taking it off. The residue can turn your hat from white to yellow over time.
6. The coloring of the fabric fades.
7. Due to an improper washing machine cycle. Make sure to follow the instructions when you wash your hat so that it will not turn yellow prematurely.
Also Read: How to Break in a Fitted Hat?
How to get a White Hat Back to Its Original Color?
1. Take out any labels off your hat because if you leave them on, they may leave a residue on the fabric of your white headwear which can make it turn yellow over time.
2. Basically, if you have a hat that has yellowed due to any of the reasons mentioned above, it is best to get rid of the stains by washing the hat and following the washing instructions.
3. You can also steam clean a slightly yellowed hat which can help in removing some of the discolorations.
After steaming your white hat, make sure to hang it out in a shady place so it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight.
4. You can also use mild bleach to remove stains on your white hat. It will help in getting rid of yellow stains and discolorations on your hat.
Make sure that you rinse the bleach well before wearing the hat again after the cleaning process.
Also Read: How to Harden a Felt Cowboy Hat for a Decent Look?
Conclusion
A well-groomed head of hair is the first thing that most people notice.
If you have a clean and uniform appearance, people will immediately start to notice you and your personality.
That’s why it is always good to keep your hat clean, as it will make you look well-groomed and attractive.
When you wash your hat, you can see the special attention that goes into cleanliness in washing your headwear.
By following these tips, you can easily learn how to clean a dirty white hat easily.
